Vulnerable Refugees. Discussion Paper

This document considers the position, plight, and needs of recent Central American immigrants to Canada. It seeks to answer three questions: What kind of support do they need? What kind of programs can respond to their needs? How can they be helped to integrate into Canadian society? Several facts a...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author Porras, Silvia
Format Report
LanguageEnglish
Published 18.04.1998
Subjects
Acculturation
Adult Education
Bilingual Education
Canada
English (Second Language)
Ethnic Relations
Foreign Countries
French
Immigration
Language Minorities
Latin Americans
Limited English Speaking
Literacy
Native Language
Refugees
Second Language Instruction
Second Language Learning
Social Integration
Spanish
Spanish Speaking
Success
Undocumented Immigrants
Canada
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Summary:This document considers the position, plight, and needs of recent Central American immigrants to Canada. It seeks to answer three questions: What kind of support do they need? What kind of programs can respond to their needs? How can they be helped to integrate into Canadian society? Several facts are uncovered, and conclusions are reached based on anecdotal information. Among the findings are these: Most of these immigrants come from rural areas in their own countries and have limited or no literacy in their native Spanish. They are often very unfamiliar with what basic appliances are in Canada (e.g., stoves). They encounter significant ethnic and racial-based hostility and prejudice from Canadian citizens. Many untrue and largely negative stereotypes about them are widely believed. Recommendations are made for effectively teaching these immigrants to survive and thrive in Canada. Immigrant success stories are chronicled in a number of vivid examples. It is concluded that the acquisition of literacy skills in Spanish is a necessary first step before acquiring similar literacy in English or French. Literacy is viewed as more than just reading and writing, but a necessary tool for problem solving in every-day life in a modern society. Other useful resources are provided. (KFT)